Make your move to the dorms smoother

11 February 2017

The big day is finally here: you're moving into a dorm and away from your parents. It can be an emotional experience, but if you're prepared, it can be smooth and straightforward. Here are some tips for navigating the move in.

Ship Your Car

If you're going to school out-of-state or even on the opposite coast, shipping your car (if you have one) will save both time and gas money. Even better, before you ship, you can pack it up with all the stuff you think you'll need for the dorms; it'll save your sanity to know everything is all in one place. Talk to auto transportation specialists to see if this might be an option for your location.

Get to Know Your Roommate

You got a name, and maybe also a face, in the notice the school sent you about your new roommate. But who is this person that you're going to be sharing space with? Don't be shy about reaching out on Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat, or following them on Instagram. When you start chatting, it'll be even easier to meet them face-to-face.

You'll get to know where they're from and if they have pets, and also start to get a feel for what kind of quirks they might have. You can also start agreeing about basics like who's going to bring the microwave and who's going to bring the iron. If you establish expectations going in, it'll make resolving disagreements later in the year smoother. You might also gain a life-long friend.

Create a Packing List with Your Parents

Mum thinks that bringing a bathrobe and five sets of towels is a must. Dad thinks you should get a TV, even though you know you're going to watch everything on your laptop. Check the college's suggested packing list and have an honest conversation with your parents. It's better to go with a less-is-more approach. You can always buy what else you discover you need later in the semester.

Know the Move-In Day Schedule

Every school has a different move-in process. Knowing yours backwards and forwards will make the move-in scramble easier on you and your parents. Don’t be shy to request the schedule if you don’t already have it.

Will you be assigned a move-in slot, but have to wade through tables of paperwork and school mugs to get there? Do you get to bring everything into the dorm yourself, or will you have a resident assistant helping you out? Taking the time to review this information will help you feel prepared.

Moving out on your own is a fun experience for every new college student. Having a good idea of what to expect on arriving is a good idea. Make sure you are packed and ready to learn!

Special thanks to Eileen O'Shanassy for providing us with this article. Eileen is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking, and you can find her on Twitter @eileenoshanassy.